Wagon end-gate



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C. A. GALE.

WAGON END GATE.

No. 326,420. Patented Sept. 15, 1885.

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N. PETERS. FhulLihagnphar, Washington. D. C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CLARENCE A. GALE, OF BIG RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.

WAGON END-GATE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 326,420, dated September 15, 1885.

Application filed July 9, 1885.

To all whom t may concer-n.-

Be it known that I, CLARENCE A. GALE, of Big Rapids, in the county of Mecosta and State of Michigan, have invented new and useful Improvements in End-Boards for Wagons; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact descriptionthereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to certain new and novel improvements in end boards or gates for Wagons; and the invention consists in the peculiar construction and arrangement of parts for securing the gate in its closed position, all as more fully hereinafter set forth.

Figure l is an end elevation of awagon-box provided with my improvement. Fig. 2 is a horizontal section through the same with the gate closed. Fig. 3 is a similar view with the gate partially removed.

In the accompanying drawings,which form apart ot' this specification, A represents the side boards ofa wagon-box of any ofthe known constructions, and B its rear end-gate. Near the rear end of one of the side boards, and upon the inner face thereof, are rigidly secured the cleats C, between which one end of the gate B is inserted when such gate is closed. Near the rear end of the opposite side board is secured rigidly a cleat, D, while to the end of such side boards is pivotall y hung or hinged a cleat, E, which, when it is in its closed position, as shown in Figs. l and 2, folds inwardly against the outer face of the gate near the end, and is secured in such position by a suitable thumb nut or bolt, F, which passes through the side board and is screwed into a coincident hole or nut in the edge of the cleat, as is shown in dotted lines in the gures. This thumb nut or bolt F should preferably be secured in the side board in such a manner that it could not be lost out accidentally when the (No model.)

gate is opened; but as there are many waysin which this can be done I do not wish to enter into a description or illustration thereof in this application.

It will readily be observed, supposing the gate or end-board be out, that by inserting one end between thetwo cleats C upon one side of the box, then pushing the other endin until it rests against the cleat D, then by folding in the hinged cleat E and securing it by means of a bolt, as above described, the endboard is held against accidental displacement, and by a device that is so simple in its construction that it can readily be removed as occasion may require.

Iam aware of Patent No. 111,915, of 1871, in which three cleats are shown stationary and secured to the side board, and a single cleatis hinged to one of the side boards. In these respects'the device is similar to mine; but in that case a hook and eye Was relied upon to hold the hinged cleat in position to secure the end-gate. The hook was liable to be jarred out of engagement with the eye and release the end-gate. I provide a very secure means for holding t-he cleat in a locking position. My thumb-screw F has a firm bearing in the side board, and obtains avery secure hold on the cleat when the same is closed inward. Upon this feature rests the gist of my invention.

The combination, with the side boards, A, having stationary cleats C C D. of the hinged cleat E, and the thumb-screw F, lseated in the side board, and adapted to engage the hinged cleat when the latter is folded inward, the whole constructed and adapted to serve with an end-gate, B, as set forth.

CLARENCE A. GALE.

Vitnesscs:

E. H. Evans, D. C. MORRILL. 

